The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-15
CHARLES SUMMERS KINDNESS.
1t Was the Means of Saving One Man
From a Drunkard's Grave.

IL was tne means OF Saving one NAH
From Drunkard's Grave.
From the Boston Record.
"Do | remember Andrew j. Roberts?"
quoth an old State politician. Eyes. He
had checkered career, poor man. But
with all his shortcomings he was a bright,
indeed a brilliant, man. He was great
politician years ago, and not only took ex-
traordinary interest in the great questions
of the day, but knew intimately all the
prominent public men. He was well read,
Intelligent, and good talker, but he had a
failing He could not be depended upon,
and at times was helpless.
HE used TO hang around the State Re-
publican headquarters from morning until
night throughout the campaign, and cam
paigns lasted in those days nearly five
months. 1t was during the anti-slavery
days, when everybody was at the highest
pitch of excitement | remember one day
in particular, when number OF prominent
politicians were assembled at headquarters,
among them Charles Sumner and Henry
Wilson Sumner was in the rear room,
Wilson in the front. In walked Roberts
He talked in loud voice and disturbed the
whole assembly. Stepping into the rear
room he spied Sumner in earnest converse
ton with friend. Giving him a tremen-
dous slap on the shoulder, he shouted
D you, Sumner, how are you? Why
don't you be as hearty and genial as your
friend WilsonP
1.-THE effect of this rough handling of
Sumner can readily be imagined by those
who remember or have read of the dignified
and scholarly man. 1t was not only shock,
but an insult. Sumner turned as white as
sheet, but said nothing. He realized Rob
erts' condition, and wisely kept his peace.
Roberts was severely reprimanded and
turned out of the room.
ut was not long after this that Roberts
came to want and grief. He was actually
destitute. He looked hungry and was poorly
clad. In despair he came to me one day for
work or advice. The big tears rolled down
his cheeks as he told me how destitute and
degraded he Iyass and how he longed to re-
form. | told him had no work, and adj
vised him to goto Sumner.
% Go to Sumnera he said. 'Oh, no, I
insulted Sumner short time ago. / can't
" Yes, you cam I said. GO to him
just as you have come to me. Tell him
frankly the whole story, and he will help
you
Roberts did as I advised. About 10
o'clock the next morning he buttoned his
shabby coat around his neck, to hide his
flannel shirt, and made his way to the man
whom he had grossly insrIlted but short
time before. Sumner, it is well known, was
always late riser, and seldom brealzfasted
before IL o'clock He received the unfortu-
nate man kindly and, inviting him to
breakfast, listened patiently to his story.
Roberts told me afterward that that was the
first square meal he had eaten for long
time. In less than two days Roberts was
given position in the navy yard, and
henceforth was different man. When he
told me later his experience with Sumner
that morning his eyes filed with tears and
his voice trembled with emotion. 1t was a
magnanimous act on the part of Sumner and
an outward expression of his true character.
sit was the turning point in Roberts
career Only a<ew months ago he delivered
one of the best temperance speeches | ever
heard in my life. Up TO the day of his
death, which occurred quite recently, he lad
a great veneration for the memory of Sum
ner, the man who was so kind and generol s
to him in trouble"